Literal translation
he has property under the sun
Meaning
he has property, he owns land
Explanation
This expression signals that a person owns land or real property, a wealth that is visible and tangible, exposed to full daylight. The word bien here denotes capital, an estate, landed property, while sun literally refers to the star itself, but above all, in this turn, to the open air, the daylight under which the fields, vineyards, or orchards one owns spread out. The underlying idea is one of wealth that does not hide, unlike hoarded or concealed money: land can be seen, shown, displayed openly for the whole neighbourhood. To have property under the sun is thus to own a recognised and socially respected landed estate, an outward sign of solidity and local rootedness, highly valued in a rural society where land remains the chief measure of comfort. The register is neutral to mildly admiring, used to describe plainly a person's advantageous material situation.